If someone is so psychiatrically ill that he or she is a danger to self (highly suicidal) or others (threatening or intending harm) or gravely disabled (unable to provide for basic needs), then there are laws that allow doctors and police to put someone into a psychiatric hospital for up to 72 hours for evaluatoin.

That can be extended with court review, if needed. Pt's can appeal.

In brief:
Sometimes

If someone is so psychiatrically ill that he or she is a danger to self (highly suicidal) or others (threatening or intending harm) or gravely disabled (unable to provide for basic needs), then there are laws that allow doctors and police to put someone into a psychiatric hospital for up to 72 hours for evaluatoin.

That can be extended with court review, if needed. Pt's can appeal.
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